Aircraft Haptic Alert Mechanism With Torsion Spring Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic alert mechanisms for aircraft pilots are complex and lack simplicity, making them less effective in reliably signaling the exceeding of operational limits, particularly in environments where visual monitoring is impaired.
Innovation Solution
A haptic alert mechanism utilizing a movable bumper with a prestressed torsion spring and adjustable finger position, which generates a resisting force when the operational limit is exceeded, allowing the pilot to feel the limit without obstructing movement and returning to rest when released, thus ensuring safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a haptic alert mechanism is implemented to signal operational limit exceedances, then pilot awareness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic alert mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a movable stop with finger element, a torsion spring for force generation, and an actuator for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion spring automatically generates the resisting force when the lever exceeds the operational limit, without requiring additional power sources or complex control systems. The spring's elastic properties provide the haptic feedback inherently, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a movable elastic stop is used to provide haptic feedback, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical state of the stop from fixed to movable, allowing it to deflect under lever force. This parameter change enables the stop to accommodate manufacturing tolerances while still providing effective haptic feedback, as the movable nature compensates for positional variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop is designed to be dynamically movable rather than statically fixed. The finger can deflect within the elongated orifice when force is applied, creating a dynamic response that provides clear haptic feedback while being tolerant of manufacturing variations in the rest position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the finger is made movable within an elongated orifice, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable finger mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides haptic feedback, allows for adjustable operational limits, and compensates for wear and tolerance accumulation. This multi-functionality justifies the additional complexity by consolidating several requirements into a single mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated orifice acts as an intermediary element that guides the finger's movement while allowing positional adjustment. This intermediary structure enables adaptability without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, as the orifice's geometry inherently provides the necessary freedom of movement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The mechanism provides a simple, effective, and safe way for pilots to feel operational limit exceedances, allowing them to adjust without blocking control lever movement, enhancing pilot safety and operational awareness.
Implementation Method 1
a spring box (40) having a housing (41) in which a pre-stressed torsion spring (45) is arranged
Implementation Method 2
the finger (47) being mobile within the orifice (64), compressing the spring when the lever exerts a force on the finger intended to exceed the operational limit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a haptic alerting mechanism (1). The mechanism (1) comprises an actuator (10). At least one arm (36) of a movable stop is connected to the actuator. A spring box (40) is provided with a housing (41) containing a pre-stressed torsion spring (45), said spring box (40) being rotatable about the axis of rotation (AX). The housing (41) includes at least one pin (55) rotatable about said axis of rotation (AX). A finger (47) of the torsion spring passes through an elongated orifice (64) in a front flank (62) of the housing (41) to form a movable elastic stop that can be overcome.